GA: Report of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Report of the Secretary-General on the Peacebuilding Fund

Last updated: 3/27/2013 // Norway's statement on the Report of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Report of the Secretary-General on the Peacebuilding Fund. The statment was held by Minister Counsellor Mr. Knut Langeland.

Mr. President,

I would like to echo others in thanking the Chair of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for his comprehensive report.

Norway fully concurs with the observation in the report, that we in 2012 have seen both the potential but also the limitations of the Commission. It is obvious that there is a positive development in some of the countries on the agenda of the Commission, while others are unfortunately moving backwards.

This mixed record illustrates yet again that peace building is a difficult process which takes time and involves many risks. We must be patient and not assume there are quick-fixes. It is evident patience also requires political will. Norway is therefore pleased that the fundamental importance of peace building was recognized during the High Level Segment of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly.

One important comparative advantage of the PBC is indeed the more long-term and sustained efforts to support countries in consolidating peace and seeking economic progress and sustainable development. In doing so, the PBC must support national ownership to the peace process and reconciliation. At the same time it is imperative that these processes are inclusive and involve all segments of the society. It is obvious that violent conflicts are not solved or settled in a just and sustainable manner if women are not part of the process. There is growing awareness of the role of women in peace building and we must ensure that the seven point action plan for gender responsive peace building is fully implemented. Failing to move forward on this action plan would be a costly mistake that we cannot afford to make.

National ownership is a key objective to the Initiative on Civilian Capacity in the aftermath of a conflict. Norway is pleased that the Organizational Committee has in its meetings expressed strong support to this initiative, which will enable us to develop new ways cooperation and partnerships in supporting countries emerging from conflicts.

Norway applauds the efforts by the Commission to forge stronger partnerships with all relevant actors, and not least in relation to the international financial institutions. While proven to be more difficult, we must also continue efforts to engage and partner with foundations, philanthropic organizations and the private sector.

Partnerships are essential for resource mobilization, which has been a priority for the PBC in 2012. In addressing the question of resource mobilization, Norway reiterates its appreciation of the Peace Building Fund. The Fund's focus on countries low on the radar, its swiftness, willingness to take risk, and its large donor base, constitute the Fund's main strengths and added value. But we must keep in mind that PBF is most of all a catalytic fund. PBF cannot be the main funding source of a peace building process in a country.

While Norway continues to urge traditional donors to maintain or preferably increase their financial contributions, which must also seek to engage the non-traditional donors and in particular emerging economies. Supporting peace building is a collective responsibility for the whole UN membership. In addition, we need to explore ways and means to enhance domestic resource mobilization in the countries concerned. Domestic resources mobilization such as more extensive use of taxation will enhance national ownership.

The PBC is part of the UN family and must consider it as a prime objective to ensure coherence and contribute to our overall objective of Delivering as One. At country level a prime task would be to support the UN country teams and the Special Representative of the Secretary General. In doing so, the PBC can perform even better its political accompaniment role to the country concerned.

To conclude, the PBC has come a long way since its establishment nearly eight years ago. It has proven that it can make a difference in several of the countries on the PBC agenda, yet at the same it is evident that more improvements can be made in the working methods of the Commission. Norway is pleased that this topic will be addressed in more depth in 2013 and looks forward to take part in these deliberations.